Capacitance Sensor Detects Coatings on Varying Glass Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems, such as the Klopfenstein device, face challenges in accurately detecting and differentiating conductive coatings on non-conductive mediums with varying thicknesses and gap separations, leading to incorrect results due to overlapping capacitance values across different glass and gap thickness combinations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a capacitance-measuring sensor and a thickness-measuring sensor, including a CCD linear image array, to detect and measure the presence, location, and type of conductive coatings on non-conductive mediums by comparing capacitance data with stored calibration data and medium thickness, and adjusting for gap widths, thereby improving accuracy across a wider range of variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Klopfenstein device is calibrated for a pre-determined range within a narrow range of gap thicknesses for a given thickness of the mediums, then the device can detect conductive coatings, but the calibrated ranges for glass and gap thickness are quite narrow and do not cover the variations experienced in the glass industry
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and calibration based on the specific glass thickness and gap separation being measured. Rather than using a fixed calibration for a narrow range, the system adapts its measurement approach to accommodate varying glass thicknesses (2.2mm to 10mm) and gap sizes (1/4" to 7/8"), resolving the contradiction between broad adaptability and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters and calibration values based on the specific combination of glass thickness and gap separation. By implementing multiple calibration ranges and adjusting measurement parameters according to the actual configuration, the system achieves accurate detection across the full industry range of glass thicknesses and gap sizes, rather than being limited to a single narrow calibrated range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Klopfenstein device is used to measure capacitance with varying glass and gap thicknesses, then measurements can be taken, but the resulting capacitance values overlap from coated to uncoated test samples, causing incorrect results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement range into distinct calibration zones based on glass thickness and gap separation combinations. By dividing the overall measurement space into discrete calibrated segments, the system can accurately distinguish between coated and uncoated samples within each segment, preventing the overlap and incorrect results that occur when using a single calibration for all configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that use the measured capacitance values along with the known glass thickness and gap separation to determine the appropriate calibration range. This feedback loop allows the system to select the correct reference values and measurement parameters based on the actual configuration, ensuring reliable differentiation between coated and uncoated samples across all thickness variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively differentiates conductive coatings on non-conductive mediums with varying thicknesses and gap separations, providing accurate measurements and reducing incorrect results, thus enhancing detection reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring capacitance of at least one conductive coating on at least one surface of one or more non-conductive medium
Implementation Method 2
a thickness-measuring sensor, including a CCD linear image array
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for detecting the presence and/or location of any conductive coating on a non-conductive medium surface are described.